The idea of this page is to provide bands with no experience in gigging an idea of stuff, so no one gets too confused.Tis
to help you feel comfortable, and make sure you don't get embarrased when the sound engineer asks if the monitors are working
- and you don't even know what they are or their function.And so I don't get insane questions about whether bandsshould
turn up with whole PA systems or not (even though, it's really cute, and makes me smile).Feel free to E-mailif you feel there's something missing out.

PA Systems (Personal address systems): This mainly consists of speakers, as far
as you are concerned.All the sound produced by the entire band will be projectedinto the audience by these speakers,
instead of coming fromeach musician individually, this givesa fuller sound, and means the sound engineercan sort
out the balance throughthe sound desk. This is huge, and will either be in house(ie, owned by the venue) or will be
supplied by the promoter.

DI (direct imput):This is when a certain instrument (or sound) goes straight
into the PA system,this is used in outputs such as keyboards, or decks, which donot rely on going through an amp or
mic,to modify thier sound. These go through a DI box,which will probably be supplied by the venue/promoter.

Drum
mics:Usually consist of, bass, snare, hi hat, and ambiance.

Backline:All the amps
a band are using, so called as they are at the back, in a line,unless you have some unusual ritual and require them to
be in a circle...

Breakables:All parts of the drum kit which are made up of cymbols (can include
pedals and snare),you are usually asked to bring these, youcould be asked to bring your kit, but it'susually bands
who want to bring their own kit, and promoters that don't, cos ittakes massive change over time(keep this in mind,
if you do, cos schedules are usuallyso very tight)

Monitors: The big blocks on the front of
the stage, when I was starting out,someone described them, as the things guitaristsput one leg up onto when they
are soloing.However, there purpose is to play to you whatthe audience is hearing, so you can hear what you are
doing, and not just the doublebass pedal bashing your brains out.

Floor tuners: Are definately,
THE only way to tune up on stage.However well trained your ear is, adrenaline pumpson stage, and listening to someone
tuning thier bass,isn't very pretty. It is also a time to talk to the audience.

Sound Check:This
is more for the sound engineerto check you out (and if you're sound checking first, to checkout the set up of the
equipment).Sound checks can be as daunting as engineers making eachmusician solo before doing a group check, but
this isn't that common.Checks last from around half a song, to 10 mins. Use sound checks as a quiet rehersal,
save your performance for lateron! And don't worry if you mess up,just fix up quickly! Also, listento the other
bands, so you can see how the night is going to work. Sound checks are in reverse order (if everyone is present) with
the headliningband going first, and the first band going last.

Sound engineers:can be the most
difficult people in the world, however, if you pissthem off, they could break your gig (but Edyum don't deal with bands
who would piss offengineers, so we're OK). Don't be entirelyintimidated by the engineer, do what they say, but ask
questions if you need to! Sound engineers are probably running against time, when sound checking, so saveyour intro
track for afterwards!

Stage Manager:You probably won't be introduced to the stage manager.If
someone back stage, whoyou've never met in your life, tells you to tune the fuck up, then that's them.Their job is
to get you on stage, on time, tuned up, with all your gear, and then get you offagain. It's better to get off
stage when told, so as not to piss offthe stage manager, or the band after.

BACK LINE

Guitar amps: are either head and cabs
(head and cabinets) or combos. A head and cab will have the speaker below a removable bit, which has all the buttons on it,
this is useful as bands can use the same cab, and different speakers, meaning quicker change over times, less hassle etc.
A combo, is a speaker, and buttons is one.

Quick tips:-Make sure you can seeeveryone
on stage, and you cancommunicate with them adequately.

-Make sure your friends knowwhere and when you're playing,
so theyturn up at the right time (oh, and with theright money, and outdoor clothing)

-Most bands prefer to
go on stage sober, I would suggest this for afirst gig until you get confidentenough to make up your own mind
on it.

-Don't make enemies with theother bands, you may need their supportwhen you break all your instruments
mid-set...

-Make a set list.

-If you are of a largerweight, it is not advised that youcrowd
surf onto the young girls at the front!